Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old.  A lot of health professionals in the West consider this type of treatment valid when applied to different kinds of illnesses.  It can help improve the skin, relieve muscle stress, and eliminate smoking habits, among many others.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

The West’s Point Of View

Although acupuncture is widely popular, there still are some Westerners who doubt it is effective.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  A lot of studies are already being conducted on the matter, the National Institutes of Health in the US says.

Health Hazards

Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional.  Very few patients experience adverse effects.  Puncturing of organs, spreading of infectious diseases, forgotten or broken needles and minimal bleeding are the usual risks infrequently associated with acupuncture.  These can be done away with by having an experienced practitioner perform therapy.    However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.

A Solitary or Complementary Process

Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment.  It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments.  Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation.  By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.

Some acupuncturists urge patients to use Chinese herbs in addition to acupuncture treatments and other procedures.  If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor before starting any program of herb therapy.  Some herbal medications prevent the proper functioning of some fertility drugs and processes.

Acupuncture for Fertility - Is It Truly Effective?

How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable.  However, many acupuncturists stress that even this age-old therapy can aid in normalizing the body’s functions.  It increases blood flow into the vital organs and stabilizes hormonal activity.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture has been found to benefit women who are using it in conjunction with therapies that aim to increase fertility.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Findings of recent studies show acupuncture’s ability to increase the conception rate in women who opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Choosing the Right Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Professionals looking to branch out to acupuncture need to pass the board exam first and complete between 2000 and 3000 hours of training to be licensed in this field.

A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day.  There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands.  Prior to undergoing acupuncture, patients must first check the background of the chosen therapist.  Practitioners must be officially certified by the local authorities before he or she can practice in a particular area.  Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.

Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared.  A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.

Things You Should Expect

One has to go through several acupuncture sessions in order to attain the best results.  To get the most out of acupuncture, patients usually go through a series of visits that can run from several weeks to a few months.  A visit to the acupuncturist normally goes on for an hour or so, as this time will be used to discuss your present health condition and entertain any question about the entire procedure.